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    "id": 491597,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/491597/?format=api",
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    "content": "procedure and penalties for the same, Members will exercise the kind of decorum that is required. As Sen. Wetangula said, this is cascading the Bill in terms of powers and privileges from the national level to the county level. At the national level, these rules have worked effectively. That is why we are able to debate, disagree and have different forms of opinion. At the end of the day, we still sit together and make decisions and come up with legislation that is meant to help Kenyans. In terms of timing, the Bill provides that privileges that have been abused should be spoken about and stipulated within 14 days. That is important. I think the time span is important because justice delayed is justice denied. Therefore, the provisions of the 14 days is critical because if there is any contravention of the law though unbecoming conduct, then the matter should be corrected immediately. In that case, if somebody feels as if there is a discourse that has not been handled well, they should look for mechanisms to ensure that that happens. If, for example, somebody contravenes the Speaker’s Orders, then there should be a mechanism to ensure that the issue is not repeated. That will create order over and over again. Another very important aspect that is given by this Bill is that of summoning witnesses. Apart from summoning witnesses, there is also the power to call upon any records, books or papers that can give support and credence to an issue that a county assembly is dealing with. This is very important especially in the function of oversight knowing very well that this is an area that is very factual. For example, where there is a complaint or investigation to be done, it is important that a county assembly has the powers to call upon whoever it refers to as a witness because it has the powers of a High Court. A witness should appear to give not only verbal evidence but also written documents like papers and books so that investigations go on in a comprehensive way. That way, a county assembly or its committee can come up with a conclusion that is valid and one that it can easily support. Where this set up exists, witnesses can appear. When people know how to proceed and what exactly they are meant to say, that means that a county assembly, over and over again, will move to a higher level, reproduce and carry out its mandate as it is expected. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the powers that have been given to the county assemblies are very critical for them to operate. The County Assemblies Powers and Privileges Bill will also help MCAs not to be liable to prosecution for matters related to the performance of their work within the county assemblies or its committees. This is very important. There should be no personal liability as a result of belonging to a committee. The reports should be handled as publications of the committee or those of a county assembly without any individual necessarily being liable as a result of the publication. Therefore, somebody cannot be held responsible for the information in the publication. The broadcasting that goes on within a county assembly is also well expounded. The Bill talks of how broadcasting should be done according to the Standing Orders. This is discussed and stipulated and it is important to follow through. That creates more order. As it has been mentioned before, it is impossible to implement this without the personnel and training required. This is an area where Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the civil societies will come in to give their input and capacity that is very The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate"
}